Tools for non-inlet precarve

[SQRL-SNPR]

What would be the least amount chisels, rasps, etc. for inlet in letting a non-inlet pre carve correctly? I already have an excessive amount of metal working tools, but am short on woodworking tools. I am going to buy Pfeil chisels which can add up fast so I have to watch my $$$$.

[Clark Badgett]

Not an expert by any stretch of the imagination, but here are the tools I've used the most on the 2 pre-carves I've attempted (first attempt messed up the butt plate inlet). Set of butt chisels, Ramelson brand dogleg chisels (all three, straight, left & right skew) 9mm gouge, quality wood rasp, sharp spoke shave, exacto type knives. The obvious various and assorted drill bits, taps, files and needle files, hack saw etc. I'm sure I'll remember more as soon as I post this, but these will get you started, and you can add as time, funds and need permits.

[smylee grouch]

Welcome to the forum sqrl-snpr. Good advice on the tools as you can pic up more later. You will want a good vice and place to work but if you already work steel you might have the vice already. Have fun with your build.

[Rich]

To cut out the profile on the stock blank, you will need a solidly mounted vise. Mine is 5 inches. If you don't have a bandsaw, you will need a good handsaw. 4 1/2 teeth per inch (Garlic brand) from woodcraft. It's aggressive and hard to get started so I start the cut with a Sears brand handsaw. Machinist squares, rulers and straight edges, vernier calipers (6" cheap one at harbor freight for $3 on sale is ok), a 10 inch grater plane (like a cheese grater) are a good start. Before you start, learn to sharpen the chisels and gouges. It's not like sharpening carpentry tools. Get top quality sharpening equipment/ stones. The minimum gouges you will probably need are straight chisels 1-8 and 1-16, gouges for the barrel inlet 8-7, 3-5, 5-8 and a v gouge 15-3. You'll need a mall (Mallet) also. Buy the tools as you need them. Clearance and Tap drills and a tap for 8-32 or 10-32. A good book to guide you also helps. Recreating the American Longrifle is pretty good. The list of tools you can use is endless. I'm sure I left out a lot, like a ramrod drill and gouges for inletting the trigger and ramrod pipes, but you'll figure it out as you go.   

[SQRL-SNPR]

Thanks for the advice, but why didn't anybody throw in patience? That's a pretty darn sharp tool.

[little joe]

The first 3-4 I built I had a quarter and a half inch chisel, a very sharp pocket knife a medium cut half round file and some flat ones and a quarter in. electric drill. My architecture was crappy but the inletting was good. Good eyes, a determined  body, and patience will go a long way

[oldtravler61]

My #1 Rule don't get in a hurry. # 2 walk away if yeah get flustard . An come back latter. #3 When in doubt ask the people on here. There's nothing you can mess up. That someone on here doesn't know how to correct. Whether it's a new builder or someone who has been doing it for years. It's always generally very good advice. Welcome an have fun.

[Mark Elliott]

http://www.markelliottva.com/wordpress/2013/12/whats-on-my-bench/  These are the tools I actually use.    There aren't very many chisels/gouges listed.   You can throw out anything larger than 1/2" if you like.     Most of the gouges are for carving.   A  #3/16, a #7/6 and a #9/5 can be used for inletting and rough shaping of the buttstock.

Other than the chisels, you will need a #49 and #50 pattern makers rasps and a new/sharp half round bastard file.   Your metal working files can do double duty. 

[WadePatton]

Thanks for the advice, but why didn't anybody throw in patience? That's a pretty darn sharp tool.

Speaking of sharp.  If you're not already super-good at sharpening tools to their proper edge, then set out to learn how and get super-good.  Or you should pay someone to do it for you.  Sharp means sharp. 

[Eric Krewson]

As a beginner with just a few tools; I found you can do most of the inletting with an Exacto knife and an 1/8" and  1/4" chisel, takes a while, but that's a good thing, it keeps you from messing up.

[SQRL-SNPR]

Thanks again or the replies. I watched a youtube video (lie- nielson) on sharpening chisels. I've always honed my tools to a pretty high degree, but that's a whole new level. With all skills I will learn in this hobby it won't ever get dull (pun intended).

[Rich]

For sharpening gouges (straight or curved), remember to put a small heel in the edge. If you go the the ALR home page, then gunbuilding, to the right will be a list of topics, including sharpening.

[A.Merrill]

    Check out your local pawn shop,  never know what you can find.  Great place to pick up some tools you wants to alter ( screw drivers made into bottom scrapers or saw blade makes good scrapers) there cheap so no worry about braking them..    Al